Edinburgh [Scotland], May 24: The Scottish Government has reiterated its support for religious freedom and human rights for the Tibetan people, particularly in regard to the sensitive issue of the 14th Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, according to a report by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
During a session of the Scottish Parliament on May 22, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Ross Greer raised questions about how the government plans to celebrate the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama in partnership with the Buddhist community in Scotland. He also voiced serious concerns about potential Chinese interference in the reincarnation process of the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Responding to the queries, Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart conveyed the Scottish Government’s appreciation for the contributions of Scotland’s diverse faith and belief communities, including Buddhists. She extended warm wishes to the Dalai Lama and Scotland’s Buddhist population, praising their role in promoting peace, compassion, and cultural richness.
Greer also referenced the abduction of the six-year-old Panchen Lama by Chinese authorities in the 1990s, a move widely condemned by the international community. He cautioned against the likelihood of similar interference in identifying the next Dalai Lama and asked whether the Scottish Government would pledge to recognize only a reincarnation chosen according to Tibetan Buddhist traditions, without foreign influence.
Minister Stewart assured the parliament that the Scottish Government “upholds the principles of religious freedom and human rights,” and affirmed that the Tibetan Buddhist community should have the sole authority to identify the next Dalai Lama without external intervention.
The CTA has consistently warned of China’s efforts to control Tibetan religious institutions and reincarnation processes. Since the annexation of Tibet in the 1950s, Tibetan culture, language, and religion have faced increasing suppression. The 1959 Tibetan uprising forced the Dalai Lama into exile, and since then, Chinese authorities have imposed severe restrictions on religious practices, tightened surveillance, and cracked down on dissent.
The reaffirmation by the Scottish Government signals growing international attention to Tibetan rights and China’s human rights record in the region.